Math and Reading Help Blog

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• How to Teach Your Kids to Use the Internet Responsibly

  Jun 27, 2012 – A question for parents: would you allow your children to play outside without keeping an eye on them? Many would likely say no. Well, the same mentality should be used when your kids use the Internet; in other words, kids should not be allowed to roam the vast world of the Internet unsupervised and without fully understanding its capabilities and dangers. So how do you teach your kids to use the Internet responsibly?

• How to Talk to Your Kids About Bullying

  Jun 26, 2012 – If you have a child in elementary, middle or high school, then you've likely heard plenty of stories about bullying. Even if your child is not the target of bullying, he or she could still be affected by it. As a parent, you'll certainly want to make your kids aware of this persistent and growing problem in schools across the country.

• How to Prepare Your Kids for Starting a New Grade Level

  Jun 25, 2012 – Let's face it: moving from kindergarten to first grade can be an overwhelming experience; so can transitioning from elementary school to middle school, or middle school to high school. In many ways, kids can be totally unprepared for what to expect as they move from one grade level to the next. So how can parents help with this transition?

• How to Help Your Kids Discover Their Interest and Future Careers

  Jun 21, 2012 – Is it too early to begin thinking about your child's future career? Whether you have a toddler, tween or teen, it's never too early to begin cultivating interests that might one day turn into a career. So what can you do to steer your child in what is hopefully the right direction?

• 10 Summer Educational Trips You Should Take Your Kids On

  Jun 20, 2012 – Are you worried that your child will not be intellectually stimulated during the summer months? While the season should be a time for fun and relaxation, it certainly doesn't hurt to slip some learning in during summer break. So sure, hit the beaches and amusement parks...but consider the following suggestions for activities that are fun and educational.

• 10 Educational Rewards for Your Children

  Jun 19, 2012 – If your children has done well in school or has gotten all their chores done on time, do you typically reward them with money? This might not always be a good idea. In fact, some parents discourage the habit of handing out money or food when children get good grades or meet other expectations. Instead, you might consider giving your child an educational or education-related reward! This encourages the child to remain focused on academics and also makes the reward more fitting with the achievement.

• 5 Ways to Continue Your Child's Education During the Summer

  May 17, 2012 – Summer is a time for soaking up the sun, swimming, playing games...and learning? It can, and maybe should, be. Just because your kids are off from schools doesn't mean they need to turn their brains off. There are several things you can do to make sure your child has a productive and mentally stimulating summer. Following are five activities you might want to make available to your child during this summer break.

• Should Parents Give Their Preschoolers Homework?

  May 16, 2012 – If all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, what does it do to preschoolers? Many feel that preschoolers should be allowed plenty of unstructured play time; others say a structured program is important to prepare youngsters for school. Which approach might be best for your child?

• When Should Parents Opt Out of Their Child's Curriculum?

  May 15, 2012 – Once upon a time, schoolchildren went to class no matter what was being taught. Nowadays, however, parents in many states have the right to take their children out of classes that address what they might feel are 'objectionable' topics. So when is it okay to opt out of a child's curriculum?

• How to Help Your Child Read Above Their Grade-Level

  May 14, 2012 – Reading is important in our daily lives and is a cornerstone in all other academic subjects, including math and science. Do you want your child to not only succeed in reading but to excel beyond their (and possibly your) expectations? There are some things you can do to help your child improve their reading skills and maybe even read above their present grade-level.

• When Should Kids Start Looking at Colleges?

  Apr 30, 2012 – There are some things in life to which the phrase 'it's never too early' certainly applies, such as investing or eating healthy. But does it apply to planning your child's college education? Not necessarily. While you and your child should begin planning for college before senior year of high school, starting the process too early does not seem to have many benefits.

• Should You Take Out Student Loans For Your Kindergartner?

  Apr 24, 2012 – How much is your child's education worth? Most parents would agree that it's hard to put a price on it...but if you're deciding between public and private school, there's a huge price tag to be considered. Recent reports show that the number of loans for K-12 students to attend private schools are rising. Is taking on such debt for your young child's education worth it?

• What Can American Parents Learn From the French?

  Apr 23, 2012 – Everyone knows that the French are renowned for their wine and cuisine, among other things, but until recently little attention was paid to their parenting. A new book has shed light on just how superior parenting methods in France seem to be when compared to American child rearing. So what's the secret to French parenting? And can American moms and dads adopt these same methods?

• 10 Ways to Take Education on the Road: Learning During a Road Trip

  Apr 20, 2012 – You've heard of homeschooling, but what about 'road schooling'? Yes, you can turn any road trip into an educational experience if you know how. And the best thing is, you can keep it fun and engaging even while your children are learning. Here are ten ways you can take education on a road trip.

• 10 Ways to Work Learning Into Your Next Trip to the Grocery Store

  Apr 19, 2012 – Can a simple trip to the supermarket be a learning experience for your child? Sure, if you know how. You incorporate reading and math, for instance, every time you shop; there's no reason why you can't involve your child in these activities and more. Here's how a quick trip to the grocery store can be an education for your child.

June 2012 ( View 1 Articles )

• How to Teach Your Kids to Use the Internet Responsibly

  Jun 27, 2012 – A question for parents: would you allow your children to play outside without keeping an eye on them? Many would likely say no. Well, the same mentality should be used when your kids use the Internet; in other words, kids should not be allowed to roam the vast world of the Internet unsupervised and without fully understanding its capabilities and dangers. So how do you teach your kids to use the Internet responsibly?

May 2012 ( View 1 Articles )

• 5 Ways to Continue Your Child's Education During the Summer

  May 17, 2012 – Summer is a time for soaking up the sun, swimming, playing games...and learning? It can, and maybe should, be. Just because your kids are off from schools doesn't mean they need to turn their brains off. There are several things you can do to make sure your child has a productive and mentally stimulating summer. Following are five activities you might want to make available to your child during this summer break.

April 2012 ( View 7 Articles )

• How To Help Your Children Build Self-Control

  Apr 18, 2012 – Nothing is more important than intelligence when it comes to doing well in school, right? Many might believe so, but studies suggest that self-control is the single most important predictor of academic success. So how best to build your child's self-discipline to ensure success in the classroom?

• Do You Believe Computer Games Can Help Your Child in School?

  Apr 09, 2012 – Are video games as big of a negative influence as some parents and adults believe they are, or can they actually help children learn? As a growing number of schools can attest, video games can have a constructive place in the classroom. Should more schools implement them?

• Is Lack of Sleep Affecting Your Child's Performance in School?

  Apr 05, 2012 – If your child is complaining that he or she is tired each school morning, take heed: chances are good they're telling the truth. The fact is, a large percentage of American schoolchildren simply do not get the required amount of sleep they need to function properly. As one might expect, lack of sleep can be a major factor in how your child does in school.

• Is Retention the Right Choice for Your Child?

  Apr 04, 2012 – Let's face it: no one likes to be 'held back' or 'left behind' when it comes to almost anything. The phrases themselves carry a negative connotation. So does retention, long practiced in the United States, actually help students who have fallen behind academically? Studies show that retention might not always be the answer, or may not be an answer at all. Is it the right choice for your child?

• Are Good Teachers Being Harmed by Teacher Evaluation Systems?

  Apr 03, 2012 – What is the best way to evaluate a teacher? As part of educational reforms, many states are beginning to evaluate teachers based solely on standardized testing scores. But is this method fair? How would you feel if your child's well-liked and seemingly effective teacher was fired based on the testing performance of only a few students?

March 2012 ( View 25 Articles )

• How Far Should You Go to Get Your Kid Into Kindergarten?

  Mar 29, 2012 – Once upon a time, little Johnny or Janey turned five and off to kindergarten they went. Little was done between Big Bird and the classroom to 'prep' them for such an event; all parents had to do was go to the nearest school and sign them up. Now, parents are literally camping in front of schools to secure a spot in kindergarten! Is going to such an extreme necessary?

• Can You Be Too Tough on Your Children?

  Mar 28, 2012 – Do kids have to be the best at everything they do? Unfortunately, some parents believe so. This belief can place a lot of undue stress on their children. While encouragement and motivation are important, is pushing kids too hard, particularly when it comes to school, more harmful than beneficial?

• Could the 'Gifted and Talented' Label Be a Curse for Your Child?

  Mar 27, 2012 – Many parents are likely thrilled when they are told that their child is 'gifted and talented'. Who wouldn't like to be told that their child is, among other things, intelligent and observant? Despite the positive connotations, however, 'gifted and talented' could be a phrase you wouldn't necessarily want to hear when it comes to your student.

• Should IT Matter How Your Child's Teacher Dresses?

  Mar 26, 2012 – Dress codes have long been a staple in many schools across the country. In some cases, students and even parents have opposed them. But what about dress codes for teachers? When it comes to this issue, just where do most people stand? And should a teacher's clothing even be of concern to parents?

• How Can You Know if College Is Right for Your Child?

  Mar 23, 2012 – A prevailing school of thought is that most people need college in order to be successful. But this certainly may not always be the case. Quite simply, not everyone is college material. If your teen will soon be graduating from high school, you may need to contemplate whether college is right for your child.

February 2012 ( View 37 Articles )

• When Is Parental Input in Education Too Much?

  Feb 29, 2012 – Ask almost any teacher if they desire parents to be more involved in their child's education and you are likely to get the answer 'Yes'. But when does parental involvement become problematic or too intrusive? Should parents have the authority to dictate school curricula?

• Is Less Writing a Good Thing for Your Student?

  Feb 29, 2012 – Everywhere you look there seems to be some sort of educational reform being proposed, implemented or suggested. In many cases reform is intended to be for the better, but a recent bill being sponsored in Washington state calls for doing away with statewide writing assessments. Is less writing necessarily a good thing?

• How Much Does Class Size Affect Your Child's Learning?

  Feb 29, 2012 – Do students in large classes perform just as well as students in smaller ones? Several studies suggest that smaller class sizes result in higher achievement levels. But is it only the size of the class or are other variables at play?

• Do You Think the Drop Out Age Should Be Raised?

  Feb 29, 2012 – Is 16 too young to drop out of school? Though that age has been set in many states for decades, some - including President Obama - believe the age should be raised to 18. But would raising the drop out age address many of the problems associated with dropping out of school? Or would it only make matters worse?

• Should Your Child Learn Roman Numerals?

  Feb 27, 2012 – First it was home ec. Then it was cursive writing. Now, Roman numerals might be the odd subject out in some schools across the nation. Are our kids being deprived, or does knowledge of Roman numerals really matter anymore?

January 2012 ( View 44 Articles )

• New Mexico Governor Looks to Improve Reading Skills

  Jan 31, 2012 – Is local government intervention necessary to improve proficiency in reading? It could be when your state is nearly dead last in education. Such could be the motivation behind a new bill proposed by the governor of New Mexico, a bill that calls for funding a new reading initiative. Does this $17 million proposal have a chance of getting approved?

• The New Classics: 2012's Award-Winning Children's Books

  Jan 31, 2012 – The American Library Association (ALA) announced the winners of a multitude of awards for children's literature at its meeting last week in addition to the well-known Newbery and Caldecott Medals. Learn a little more about some of these awards and this year's recipients.

• Daisy Gets a Medal: The 2012 Caldecott Medal Winners

  Jan 30, 2012 – During its midwinter meeting last week, the American Library Association announced this year's winner of the Caldecott Medal, 'A Ball for Daisy' by Chris Raschka. This award recognizes excellence in the artwork of children's literature. Also honored were John Rocco's 'Blackout,' Lane Smith's 'Grandpa Green' and Patrick McDonnell's 'Me...Jane.'

• Dead Ends and Stalin's Nose: The 2012 Newbery Medal Winners

  Jan 30, 2012 – The 2012 Newbery Medal winner and other honored books were announced last week. The American Library Association awards the Newbery Medal in recognition of what it deems the most distinguished contribution to children's literature each year. 'Dead End in Norvelt' is this year's winner, while 'Inside Out & Back Again' and 'Breaking Stalin's Nose' are the runners-up.

• Doing More with Less: Rural Schools and Student Health

  Jan 27, 2012 – Students in rural, sparsely populated areas struggle with the same health problems that their urban and suburban peers face, such as obesity and substance abuse. Yet without the same access to resources, rural schools are forced to get creative.

December 2011 ( View 40 Articles )

• For-Profit Teacher Certification: Money Over Quality?

  Dec 30, 2011 – As for-profit teacher certification programs have grown in popularity, their standards and methods are coming under heightened scrutiny. Are these programs more interested in producing high quality teachers or a profit? It may be difficult to decide.

• Raising Kids Isn't What IT Used To Be: Tips for New Grandparents

  Dec 30, 2011 – If you're a new grandparent, you may be surprised by how much has changed since your kids were young. Many aspects of parenting today may seem confusing, excessive or just downright silly. But these changes have important logic behind them, and your kids may expect you to learn them. Here are five tips to help you grandparent like a pro.

• Auld Lang Syne: Exploring New Year's Traditions

  Dec 29, 2011 – New Year's Day is almost here. While your child may be familiar with many New Year's traditions that are popular in America, does he or she know where they came from? What about traditions from around the world? This is a great chance to explore with your child our culture's history and to learn about other cultures by studying how they celebrate this holiday.

• Middle School Blues: A Tough Transition

  Dec 29, 2011 – It's often presumed that the move from middle school to high school is the most challenging and difficult transition students face. Recent studies have shown, however, that the transition into middle school has far more potential to disrupt a student's education.

• Reading, Writing and Raising Hens?

  Dec 28, 2011 – Your child may have no intention of becoming a farmer. Perhaps even having a garden as an adult is unlikely. Still, as students around the country are learning, when schools add farming to the school day, students benefit in numerous ways.

November 2011 ( View 25 Articles )

• Obesity Targeted by Task Force in Tennessee Schools

  Nov 30, 2011 – Numerous studies show the ill effects that being obese or overweight have on health. So if you're near the bottom of the 'most-obese states' list, it's likely time to do something about it. When Tennessee found itself in that spot, it began its fight to shed pounds with the formation of the Tennessee Obesity Task Force. Are the odds that the Task Force will succeed in reversing Tennessee's obesity numbers slim to none?

• Harassment Follows Naming of Lesbian Homecoming King and Queen

  Nov 30, 2011 – When a lesbian couple at a San Diego high school were recently named homecoming king and queen, it was the culmination of an abundance of support. That spirit of acceptance was marred, though, when the school began receiving hate-filled calls and emails. Yet tolerance for homosexuality may be spreading as more schools are showing support for, and not bullying, their historically marginalized students.

• 5 Reasons Not to Delay Your Child's Enrollment in School

  Nov 29, 2011 – According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 10% of kindergarten-age children are delayed entry into school by their parents, a practice known as 'redshirting'. Many believe that children whose birthdays are close to the 'cut-off' age may be too young to begin kindergarten and are better off waiting a year. But is delaying enrollment into school always the smart thing to do? Following are a few reasons to say no.

• 5 Tips to Help Your Advanced Students Stay Engaged in Class

  Nov 29, 2011 – Not all students within the same classroom learn at the same pace. High achieving students often find themselves bored or disengaged in class. While technology in the classroom can help to reduce this boredom to some extent, you might find you need other ways to combat this problem. If your students are complaining that school is 'too easy' then the following five tips may be helpful in keeping them interested in school and keeping their brains engaged.

• Why More Sleep = Better Grades

  Nov 28, 2011 – More than 200 years ago, Benjamin Franklin coined the memorable and oft-quoted phrase, 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.' Today, research shows that Franklin's words certainly apply to school children, with studies finding that sleep has positive effects on grades and many other areas. Can schools do anything to help students get the sleep they need and thus function better?

October 2011 ( View 21 Articles )

• When Does Dress Code Become Censorship in Public School?

  Oct 31, 2011 – The recent banning at an Arizona high school of pink t-shirts bearing a slogan that the principal found offensive has begged the questions: Are slogans offensive if they're displayed for a good cause? Should school officials be more lenient in allowing students freedom of speech when it comes to fundraising or other positive activities? Education Insider takes a look at what could be a fine line between perceived inappropriateness and censorship.

• 'Sesame Street' Strives to Combine Humor and Science

  Oct 28, 2011 – For more than 40 years, preschoolers have been asking how to get to Sesame Street; after the show's latest season, which began in September 2011, these children might be able to calculate just how many miles they need to travel to get there. Welcome to the 'new' Sesame Street, brought to you by the subjects Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

• Should Bullies Go to Jail?

  Oct 27, 2011 – Should school bullies be locked up behind bars? Yes, that is extreme, and schools haven't yet gotten to that point. But as bullying has extended beyond the campus and seeped into victims' private lives through Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, some are calling for more harsh punishments that could include police intervention. Just how strong, many are asking, should anti-bullying laws get?

• Chronic Absenteeism a Problem for Some Young Students

  Oct 26, 2011 – It likely goes without saying that you can't learn unless you're in the classroom. Missing a day here or there for illness or emergencies is one thing, but missing more than 18 days per year becomes a problem known as chronic absenteeism. From Oakland, California to Newport, Rhode Island, chronic absenteeism is an issue many schools realize they must not only face but eradicate.

• Keeping Schools Safe, But At What Cost?

  Oct 25, 2011 – How do you make safer a school system that during the 2009-10 academic year reported well over 800 physical assaults and nearly 130 confiscated weapons at its high schools? One way is to install state-of-the-art detection machines and surveillance cameras. At least that's the way Detroit Public Schools (DPS) has addressed the problems. Can these high-tech systems deliver the safety school officials are hoping for?

September 2011 ( View 21 Articles )

• Celebrate World Teachers' Day!

  Sep 30, 2011 – Are there meaningful teachers in your child's life? Since 1994, World Teachers' Day has been celebrated on October 5th. Organized by UNESCO and Education International, the day is about celebrating teachers, raising awareness and promoting important issues in education. The list presented here includes ten ways to make World Teachers' Day special in your community.

• Lady Gaga Defends Teen Bullying Victims

  Sep 29, 2011 – Lady Gaga has long been an advocate for bullying victims. Following the possibly bullying-related suicide of one of her ardent fans, she's taken her anti-bullying campaign to new levels. Using her popularity and influence, she hopes to make a lasting difference in the fight against bullying.

• When Will School Budget Cuts Reach Critical Mass?

  Sep 28, 2011 – The political battles over balancing local, state and federal budgets are taking their toll on the nation's schools. While financial cuts are expected in times of hardship, many schools are being pushed into decisions that frustrate teachers, anger parents and alienate students. If the cuts continue, they may push some schools too far.

• Kids Are Never Too Young to Be Scientists

  Sep 27, 2011 – It's never too early to get your kids hooked on science. As the Kids' Science Challenge demonstrates, great scientific ideas come not only from experienced scientists, but also from young children. This national competition might spark your child's passion for scientific research while they have a great time learning about the world.

• Should Your Child Go to Charter School?

  Sep 26, 2011 – Charter schools have a mystique that appeals to many parents. They often promise to be managed better, offer stronger learning opportunities and be staffed with superior teachers when compared with traditional public schools. Yet the sheen that accompanied the recent surge in charter school openings has begun to wear off, which makes deciding whether or not to choose a charter school increasingly difficult.

August 2011 ( View 21 Articles )

• Should Where You Live Determine Where Your Kid Goes to School?

  Aug 31, 2011 – Is it fair that a student is barred from attending a superior public school because of where he or she lives? This debate isn't new. While its current incarnation is geography, the heart of the issue revolves around the intersection between class and race.

• Mandatory Recess to Return to Chicago Public Schools

  Aug 30, 2011 – Many studies have stressed the importance of play time for young children. However, new government core curriculum standards do not include recess, and many schools across the country do not offer recess to elementary school students. In Chicago, that's about to change.

• Foreign Language Apps Can Take You Around the World

  Aug 29, 2011 – Apps can be useful tools for children learning new languages. It's a great way to get a head start on language lessons before taking a school-based course. Also, if your child is studying a language in school, foreign language apps can help accelerate learning.

• Mobile Apps for Test Preparation

  Aug 26, 2011 – Educational apps are a great tool for test preparation. With their portability and interactive nature, they enable students to learn on the go and take full advantage of dead time. The apps presented here help students prepare for a variety of important tests.

• Math on Your Phone: Apps for Math Help

  Aug 25, 2011 – With the widespread use of smartphones and portable tools like the iPad, learning math has never been more fun. For students who struggle with math, there are countless apps that can help reinforce difficult concepts. The list presented here includes ten apps for math help that make learning and studying on the go easy.